Two Months Later
I turned twenty-eight at the beginning of August, specifically on the 4th.
Of course, I decided to celebrate a little with close friends.
Therefore, I took the café for the day, inviting my employees, the Stacey family, and, of course, Emma.
We gathered around midday and started the celebrations. I prepared everything myself, only buying alcohol for some of the ladies.
The only men there were me, Bob, George, and his kids.
After George's toast, there was a knock at the entrance.
I naturally went to the door to send the girl away quietly and politely.
"Excuse me, miss, but we're closed today."
I said with a smile to the young girl standing modestly before me.
She looked familiar, but I couldn't immediately recall where I might have seen her before.
"I'm sorry."
The blonde said, visibly embarrassed.
"I just saw the ad. I'm looking for a job."
She gave me a printed notice I had put up two months ago.
"Ah, I see. Please, come in."
I nodded.
I really did need waitresses for the café.
I had transferred Crystal and Penny to the bakery, where Mrs. Donovan was already in charge of everything, and I was short on hands here.
"Have you worked as a waitress anywhere before?"
"A year at school."
She replied shyly.
"Then I went back to studying."
"What were you studying?"
I asked as I let her inside.
"In college, I was studying law."
She answered in the same shy tone, and my instincts were tingling for some reason.
"Everyone! We have guests and a future member of our friendly team!"
"Did I get hired?"
She asked in surprise.
"Well, of course! Extra hands are always needed. By the way, what's your name, young lady?"
"Bobby. Bobby Morales."
I felt my instincts tingling again, signaling that something was off.
"Have a seat. Today is my Birthday, and all my staff is celebrating. This way, you can meet everyone and blend into the team."
"Oh! Congratulations!"
She exclaimed.
"Sit down, sit down. Tell me about yourself. I believe a relaxed atmosphere is the best way to get to know each other and build relationships."
I started sharing stories about myself, drawing her into conversations with my waitresses, but they quickly led the discussion.
Listening to my instincts, I used "Player's Gaze" on her and was blown away yet again by what I discovered:
[Name: Barbara, Bobbi "Mockingbird" Morse/Bobbi Morales.
Level: 54
Race: Human
Class: Assassin
Subclass:
Spy
Warrior
Bodyguard
Poisoner
2nd Class Psychologist
Subclass:
Manipulator
Feature: S.H.I.E.L.D. Special Agent, Enhanced Body, Polyglot, Spy
Age: 26 years
Attributes: See details.]
I was taken aback once again.
She looked around twenty years old, but she clearly had good makeup and maybe even surgery.
The familiarity made sense—she almost looked like Adrianne Palicki, the actress who played Mockingbird in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
I doubted that S.H.I.E.L.D. underpays their agents, and she was likely here for a salary that was twice as high as what other establishments offered, along with decent tips.
'S.H.I.E.L.D. was keeping an eye on me!'
'Did they somehow learn about my dealings in precious gems or the dungeons?'
They could have been monitoring me more subtly before, and I just didn't notice.
Or maybe it was because of Emma Frost; it's very possible they think I'm some kind of magician who made Ms. Frost fall in love with me, and somehow even Loki too.
If I were Fury, I'd be on high alert as well.
Therefore, there was no sense in refusing work to Mockingbird.
It was easier to have a familiar and discreet waitress from S.H.I.E.L.D. by my side than to face a SWAT team in an ice cream truck the next morning.
After about two more hours of dinner, the Stacey family was the first to leave, and then my staff slowly started to leave as well.
Bob even tried to walk Bobbi home, but she turned him down.
By the end, as I was cleaning up with Mrs. Donovan, only Emma remained, clearly hoping for a private conversation.
I told her I'd handle the cleaning myself, and my old lady gave me an understanding smile and suggested I stop drinking today.
That sly old lady.
"Once again, Happy Birthday."
Emma Frost said, kissing me on the cheek.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Are you really not worried that I'm a mutant?"
"We talked about this two months ago when you accidentally revealed yourself to me during Loki's visit. I have no prejudices about it."
"This is good."
She said, smiling strangely as she hugged me.
"Emma, we talked about this..."
"About how it's just my imagination and that I don't love you? I remember your words."
She laughed immediately after.
"I know how I feel, but don't worry, I won't try to seduce you. I just wanted to hug a friend. Yes, yes, don't look at me like that. Ugh! I can't believe I can't get a man to reciprocate with all my strength and determination!"
"Well, you can find someone else."
"I'm not interested in someone else."
She pouted.
"Can I ask you for a favor?"
"Sure."
"I'm a member of a private club, and every member needs a companion for the upcoming evening, and I'd like that companion to be you. Will you go with me?"
She looked like a wounded kitten, making it hard to refuse her invitation to the Hellfire Club.
However, I had to!
"You see, Emma, I'm not really a fan of those kinds of events..."
"Ding!"
[New Quest: "Knight on a White Car 2"
Description: Emma Frost is about to be attacked. The probability of her suffering and painful death is 98%, and only you can save her—no one else.
Reward:
+500 Relationship with other "saved princesses."
1 Level Up
+1 Attributes and Skills
Title: "Baywatch Rescuer."
1% chance that the person you saved will fall in love with you
A chance that after successfully saving her, the God of Games will grant you the opportunity to nullify the love of your "unchosen ones."
P.S. You are forbidden to inform Emma Frost about the danger. You and Frost will be put to "sanctions" if you are talkative.]
I took a deep breath, trying to process the sudden shift in my situation.
This was more than just a casual evening with Emma and it was a potential life-or-death situation.
"Uh, Emma, I—"
"Don't worry, it'll be fun. I know it's not your scene, but just think of it as a chance to dress up and meet interesting people."
She was clearly excited, and I couldn't just drop this bombshell on her.
"Yeah, maybe... but I really don't know if—"
"Come on! It'll be a good distraction for both of us."
She insisted, giving me those pleading eyes that were hard to resist.
I had to find a way to protect her without revealing what I knew.
The clock was ticking, and I needed to come up with a plan.
'What?! They might kill Emma?'
I didn't want to get involved, but it seemed I couldn't dissuade her from going.
After all, she was the "White Queen." Moreover, I had the chance to nullify all this relationship nonsense with Loki and Emma.
It was better for them to forget about me than to suffer, especially if Loki forgot about me too.
However, it wasn't just about avoiding this awkward love triangle but about Emma.
I didn't want her to get hurt, and even though I was hesitant to be involved, it looked like the System wasn't giving me a choice.
"…but for you, I can take the risk."
I finally admitted.
"Thank you!"
She exclaimed, immediately pulling me into a hug.
"I'm so happy!"
'Ugh!'
I needed to prepare for what was coming.
This wouldn't be a walk in the park, considering what I'd read in the quest details.
To be continued…